Messi changed the game - Luis Enrique

Posted Monday, December 08, 2014 by Goal.com

The Barca boss believes the Argentine's equalising goal just before half-time gave his side the impetus they needed to go on and beat Espanyol 5-1 at Camp Nou

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique claimed Lionel Messi changed the course of the Sunday's Catalan derby, adding the Argentine was decisive "all over the pitch" as they beat Espanyol 5-1.

Despite winning by such a large margin, the Blaugrana were made to work for it in the beginning as they fell behind to Sergio Garcia's goal 13 minutes in and they looked lost in attack until Messi's magnificent equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

The Argentine added a second with another superb strike five minutes into the second period and it was plain sailing for Luis Enrique's side after that, with Messi completing his hat-trick after goals from Gerard Pique and Pedro had made light of what had been a difficult clash against their city rivals.

"Until their goal it was a relatively placid game for us," Luis Enrique said after the match. "Espanyol closed up at the back and it was difficult to get through, but we are used to that.

"We missed a couple of chances and they had some opportunities too. Messi's equaliser was key because in the second half we were better, we were much more effective and with the players we have, it is difficult for other teams to stop us when we are effective like that."

Messi's treble is his third hat-trick in four games for the Catalan club after his trebles against Sevilla and APOEL recently, but Luis Enrique was keen to highlight the Argentine's overall contribution.

"Today, Leo wasn't only decisive with his goals, but also with the way he set up chances and in his defensive play," the Asturian said. "He was extremely involved all over the pitch and we have seen that since the beginning of the season."

The 27-year-old forward surpassed 400 goals for Barca in total - including friendlies - and also became the all-time top scorer in the Catalan derby with 12 strikes in the fixture, overtaking 1940s and '50s legend Cesar Rodriguez.

"You quickly get used to having decisive players like Messi," Luis Enrique added.